The excitement was palpable at SHPE’s recent Reboot Celebration in Miami, where we gathered to spotlight the remarkable achievements of Reboot Scholars and the growing impact of Reboot Representation’s investments in the future of technology.
Reboot Representation, a coalition dedicated to closing the gender and racial gap in tech. Born out of a report in 2018 highlighting the diminutive investments supporting BLNA women and girls in computing, the Reboot Representation Tech Coalition was launched to double the number of BLNA women earning computing degrees by 2025. According to the 2023 IPEDS data, they achieved their mission two years ahead of schedule!
Since 2021, Reboot has invested $1.2 million in SHPE programs, including 35 scholarships awarded this year alone to students pursuing computing degrees.
First, two SHPE members and Reboot Scholars were honored for making waves.
Ashley Torres, a recent graduate from Florida International University (FIU), walked the stage this April with a degree in Computer Engineering. Her journey is a testament to the power of opportunity and ambition. Currently balancing two internships, Ashley is furthering the mission of Kiva, a nonprofit expanding financial access worldwide. She is also gaining leadership experience as a program manager intern at Carrier, an opportunity she secured through SHPE’s professional pipeline.
Samantha Espinosa is a first-generation Peruvian-American and incoming senior at UNC Chapel Hill studying computer science. Her passion lies in cybersecurity and AI, but her heart remains connected to her roots at The Honors College at Miami Dade College’s Padrón Campus. Even after transferring, she continues to uplift fellow Hispanic students by mentoring them through scholarship applications, helping them secure over $28,000 in awards. Samantha’s vision for tech is inclusive: digital safety and access for everyone, regardless of age or income.
Two additional Reboot Scholars, who also are members of the SHPE Familia, celebrated their internship milestones as well. Javier Salgueiro interned with American Express and now works full-time as a software engineer there. Stephany Abanto landed a prestigious co-op with RTX in Melbourne, FL, where she is gaining valuable experience in electrical manufacturing.
The event welcomed Reboot leadership and staff, including CEO Dwana Franklin-Davis, Program Coordinator Omokanyisola Omo Odusanya, and Director of Talent Engagement Jannie Fernandez.
Together, we celebrated not just achievements, but a movement – a future where every young woman of color has a place in tech.
To learn more, visit rebootrepresentation.org.
